Vacuum Cleaner Suction Head Sensing for Blind-Spot Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum cleaners lack effective obstacle detection systems, resulting in potential collisions with objects or users due to blind spots during operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a multi-sensor system with a transmission unit and diffusion unit in the suction head to create a signal area for detecting obstacles and users, allowing for real-time adjustments in suction motor speed and actuation of light or vibration units based on detected obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single obstacle detection sensor is used in the suction head, then the device complexity is reduced, but blind spots remain in obstacle detection coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The single sensor is segmented into multiple transmission units, each emitting signals in different directions. This segmentation allows the sensor to cover multiple areas (first signal area and second signal area) simultaneously, eliminating blind spots while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the detection system by arranging transmission units at different angles and positions. The first and second forward signals are transmitted in different directions, creating a three-dimensional detection coverage that eliminates blind spots without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple transmission units emit signals in different directions, then obstacle detection coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple transmission units are merged into a single integrated sensor assembly within the suction head. The first and second forward signals are generated and transmitted through a unified structure, combining multiple detection functions into one component rather than using separate sensors, thus reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly serves multiple functions: it transmits signals in different directions, detects obstacles in multiple areas, and provides comprehensive coverage. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate sensors, maintaining simplicity while improving detection coverage.
3Productivity
If the vacuum cleaner operates at high suction motor speed, then cleaning productivity is improved, but collision risk with undetected obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring obstacle detection signals and adjusting motor speed accordingly. When an obstacle is detected in either the first or second signal area, the controller reduces motor speed to prevent collision, while maintaining high speed during safe operation to ensure cleaning productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstacle detection system operates in advance before the vacuum cleaner reaches potential obstacles. By detecting obstacles in the first and second signal areas ahead of time, the system can proactively adjust motor speed to prevent collisions, allowing the cleaner to maintain high productivity during safe operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures comprehensive obstacle detection without blind spots, enabling safe operation and adaptive cleaning modes to prevent collisions.
Implementation Method 1
receive a signal reflected from an obstacle located in a forward signal area by the forward signal
Implementation Method 2
diffusing the transmitted first forward signal and the second forward signal
Implementation Method 3
a second lens configured to concentrate a signal reflected from the obstacle onto the at least one receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes a main body and a front detection sensor disposed to face forward in a suction head coupled to one end of a connection pipe extending from the main body, configured to transmit a forward signal, and receive a signal reflected from an obstacle located in a forward signal area by the forward signal, so as to detect the obstacle. The front detection sensor includes a transmission unit configured to transmit a first forward signal for detecting an obstacle located in a first signal area, and a second forward signal for detecting an obstacle located in a second signal area included in the first signal area, thereby diffusing the transmitted forward signals.